Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo has alleged that, in some conflict-affected areas, Boko Haram fighters and Nigerian soldiers appear to avoid direct confrontation unless specifically ordered to engage.
According to a video shared by Nevon HQ on July 18, 2026, Adebayo made the remarks while recounting observations from a previous campaign visit to parts of northern Nigeria affected by insurgency.
He said residents described an unusual pattern in which soldiers and insurgents coexisted without regular clashes.
“Just like two gangs on the street, this one is on that side, this one is on that side. They wake up, they see them doing their thing, and the rule of engagement is don’t shoot them, they don’t disturb you, you don’t disturb them,” Adebayo said.
He argued that the situation reflects deeper problems within Nigeria’s security procurement system, claiming that prolonged insecurity benefits certain interests financially.
Adebayo maintained that resolving the crisis would require more than deploying additional troops or military equipment. He called for political leadership willing to address what he described as the financial incentives behind prolonged insecurity and to reform the allocation, monitoring and use of military resources in conflict zones.:::
